BARCELONA: Let’s Talk About Nude Beaches And a Foodie Guide

Oh Barcelona. It’s definitely a bit grimy here (not what I expected), but I can see why it’s one of the best beach cities in the world.

Millions flock here every year. The food is UNREAL. Seafood is the freshest you can get in any city. I actually like Barcelona wayyyy more than Paris.

People are more laid back and friendlier. There’s less congestion. The air is cleaner. And it’s cheap(er).

A vacation to Barcelona basically means eating fresh seafood and tapas, relaxing, getting massages, and laying out on the beach while getting a nice golden tan. mmmm— HELLO HEAVEN RIGHT?

Just imagine yourself unwinding at the most gorgeous beach you’ve ever been too. Blue waters. Sunny day. Day dreaming about steaks and ice cream, dosing off to serene sound of waves. As you slowly wake up from a peaceful and relaxing nap… you turn your head and PLOT TWIST: you see butt ass naked men with their balls out. Chillen right in front of you!- uhmmm No thx!! BYEEEEEEE. Definitely was not mentally prepared.

Turns out, we ended up at a nude beach? But seems like all the beaches here are sans clothing. NBD. Everyone seems more free and bra-less here. I can dig it.

ANYWAYS. Let’s talk about the food. I think Barcelona is one of the best foodie cities in the world. Like HOLY CRAP everything tastes AMAZING and is so damn fresh. It’s as if we placed an order- then our waiter said “BRB in 10, we’re gunna go catch some fresh oysters”

I’m all for it.

So here’s a foodie guide to Barcelona. Most of these places were recommended by YOU guys (and my BF <– here’s your shoutout babe! lol), so I can’t take credit for it.

Thanks everyone for coming through! Special thanks to Valerie Fidan, the cutest reader who sent me the MOST comprehensive list of all her recs in Barcelona (see below).

Somorrostro– This place has really bomb seafood, paella and small bites. It’s close to the beach- so go for a swim and come here when you’re hungry. You’ll thank me later.

This paella tho!! Ugh I die. Order this right when you sit down because it takes 30 minutes to cook. Look at all that seafood! (Side: I thought the rice could have been a tad bit more crispy)

La Pepita – This is a great tapas restaurant in Gracia serving traditional tapas with a slight twist. Think: foie gras and blood sausage with a fried egg on top. It’s hard to get a table here, so come right when they open.

Bar Mut – Hands down, this was one of my FAV places we ate at. We asked the server to bring out some of their best seafood tapas- everything was toooooo good! It’s an unpretentious spot to enjoy small plates and excellent wine.

Tip from @ValerieFidan: with whatever you order, be sure to order a Vermut, the signature Catalan fortified wine.

Tickets Bar –This is the hottest restaurant in town…. that we couldn’t get reservations to (insert crying emoji) lol. If you guys are reading this post before you head to Barcelona, then be sure to call them ASAP and make your ressies. Let me know how it is!

Shunka– If you’re craving sushi, this is a pretty legit spot. Their toro is F’ing amazing and affordable compared to the states. You should definitely make a reservation here.

Cuidad Condal– This place is super cool. If you can, sit at the bar for the full experience (first come, first served)- or you can get a table in the back. This place also gets really packed- so go right when they open. If you sit at the bar, you can pick and choose from all the food right in front of you. Must get: razor clams and grilled octopus. Thank me later.

For more recommendations, check out all these spots below that Valerie recommended (<– she basically came through and emailed me a whole list of spots to check out. Thanks girl!)

Coffee shop recs:

The coffee culture is starting to catch trend here and are on par with Philz and Blue Bottle Coffee. Flat Whites are the “drink” to order here.

Nomad Coffee

Onna Cafe

Sky Coffee

Satan’s Coffee Corner

Animal Coffee Bar

Brunch recs:

Granja Petitbo

Caravelle

Federal Cafe

The Benedict Bcn

Timeline

Bubó Bar

Granja Viader

Churros con chocolate are a big deal around Barcelona. Here are some worth checking out:

Granja La Pallaresa

Petritxol Cafe

Fargas

Also, if you’re looking for a dope view of Barcelona… check out Ohla hotel. It’s where I stayed (definitely recommend), and they open up the pool/bar area after 7pm to the public. Come here for drinks or to catch golden hour.

That’s all for now, are there any places I missed? Comment below! Will definitely be planning another trip here next year. This time though, I’ll be more mentally prepared at the beaches, hah.

6 Comments

I also wasn’t a huge fan of Paris, and I’ve been there three times now for work. The food is good, but it’s also really heavy. Barcelona definitely has the more laid back vibes and the seafood is fantastic. Did you check out anywhere else in Spain?